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Raccoons in Towns of Leyden and Turin Test Positive
for Rabies
Published: September 15, 2026
at 04:45 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Lewis County Public Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RACCOONS IN TOWN OF LEYDEN AND TOWN OF TURIN TEST
POSITIVE FOR RABIES
LOWVILLE, NY- Lewis County
Public Health has been notified by the New York State Department of Health
Wadsworth Laboratory that a raccoon in the Town of Leyden and a raccoon in
the Town of Turin have both tested positive for rabies. There was no human
or domestic animal exposure to either raccoon.
Lewis County
Public Health reminds all Lewis County residents and those that visit our
county that rabies is a very serious and deadly disease affecting the
central nervous system. It can be transmitted from infected animals to
humans if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid
animal through a bite or scratch.
Summer is peak
season for bat activity, while cooler weather is approaching, bats are
still flying. If residents find a bat in their home and there is any chance
of human or pet exposure, do not let it outside, it should be safely
captured and saved for rabies testing. It is possible for a person to have
contact with a bat and not know it while asleep, therefore all bats that
are found in the room of a sleeping person or small child should be
captured and tested for rabies. Capturing the bat is important because
rabies testing can determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is
necessary. If the bat tests negative for rabies, treatment can be avoided.
If you find a bat
(dead or alive):
·
If/when it is safe to do so, confine it to the room
where it was discovered and wait for it to land.
·
Wearing thick gloves, cover the bat with a small
container, such as a coffee can or piece of Tupperware.
·
Slide a lid or a piece of cardboard under the
container and secure with tape to prevent escape.
·
Call Lewis County Public Health immediately
315-376-5453 for further instructions, even if bat escapes or cannot be
located. Public Health staff are available 24/7 to assist you.
·
To view a video on how to safely capture a bat,
please visit: https://youtu.be/_YhnV5WJQBA.
It is very
important for people and their pets to avoid direct contact with wild
animals, particularly if the animals are behaving abnormally, and ensure
your pets are up to date with rabies vaccinations. The next rabies clinic
will be held on September 16th at the Lowville Fairgrounds from 7:00 to
8:00 PM.
For more
information about rabies, call Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453.
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